"If we seek security rather than the realization of our abilities, safety rather than growth, then we will be accentuating and developing our capacity for fear rather than courage, and security will, paradoxically, always remain slightly outside of our reach." -- Michael Lynberg

Who knew the supermarkets here had such a huge "fried pork skins" section!

Max, our favorite dog on the dock at Paradise Marina.

The view from La Cruz.

Merie wonders why there is an electrical outlet on a tree.

Calamari anyone?

A local fisherman proudly shows off the squid's huge eyes.

Russ and Scarlett kayak off of Los Arcos.

Los Arcos, Banderas Bay.

Birds in flight.

S/V Scarlett anchored in Los Arcos.

While I was kayaking, a turtle swam by close enough to touch.

Frank and Dayna, new friends heading south towards the equator.

The Marie Galante, a replica of the galleon Santa Maria.

Horses gallop down the beach.

Beach front property.

A little slice of paradise.

A local "sand" treatment.

Can you find all three beers in this photo?

Chillin' at the beach in Sayulita.

Strong man (Rennie) or weak bridge?

A local fisherman throws his net in the harbor.

Take that, you fish!

Cherie and Greg.

John, at the beach.

Out for a sunset sail: Cathy, Greg, Cherie and John.

When you are finally ready to do boat work...an iguana gets in your way!

The iguana gets territorial; so the boat work is put off one more day.

Anne and Rennie.

Dustin puts the blindfold on Sylvia.

Sylvia gives the Pooh pinata a whack!

Another smack for Pooh!

Cherie gets serious with the pinata! Off with your legs!

Anne gives the Pooh head a final thunk.

Watch out...Greg has the bat.

Cherie and Anne.

Sylvia delivers the cake to Cami for her birthday.

Cami blows out her candles, but her wish has already come true--she just found out she's pregnant!

The gang raises their glasses in honor of Cami.

Cherie goes on a rampage with Pooh's leg.

Watch out, Dustin!

Dustin and Camelia, soon to be parents.

Michael and Sylvia, soon to be grand-parents.

Dustin and Cami with "Dos Amantes."

Greg races lasers on Sundays in the harbor.

Trading tacks.

It's not a real race until you capsize.

Can you spot the whales between the waves?

I watched this whale breach seven times.

Cathy and Charlie from S/V Chere.

Cherie, Greg and John.

Dolphins swiming by.

The ocean is calm, like a slightly-disturbed mirror.

After a long day of fishing, it's time to throw in the net.

John and Greg.

cherie writes: Life is Mexico is slow and spicy: days are filled with beach walks, kayaking, and sailing. Puerto Vallarta is full of everything from balmy nights and breaching whales.

You never know what you’re going to see when you walk the docks—from an alligator or turtle, to a dog or an ostrich. But if you head into Banderas Bay, you certainly see whales, rays and dolphins—the marine life are often leaping out of the water in a display of pure joy (dolphins) or scraping the barnacles off their backs (whales) or escaping predators (rays).

From the stunning arches of Los Arcos to the colorful waterfront villas near La Cruz, here is a glimpse of life in Puerto Vallarta, Mexcio.